Student Name: Miami Regional University Date Of Encounter Pr ✓ Solved
Student Namemiami Regional Universitydate Of Encounterpreceptorcli
Student Namemiami Regional Universitydate Of Encounterpreceptorcli (Student Name) Miami Regional University Date of Encounter: Preceptor/Clinical Site: Clinical Instructor: Dr. David Trabanco DNP, APRN, AGNP-C, FNP-C Soap Note # Main Diagnosis ( Exp: Soap Note #3 DX: Hypertension) PATIENT INFORMATION Name : Mr. DT Age : 68-year-old Gender at Birth: Male Gender Identity : Male Source : Patient Allergies : PCN, Iodine Current Medications: · Atorvastatin tab 20 mg, 1-tab PO at bedtime · ASA 81mg po daily · Multi-Vitamin Centrum Silver PMH: Hypercholesterolemia Immunizations: Influenza last 2018-year, tetanus, and hepatitis A and B 4 years ago. Preventive Care : Coloscopy 5 years ago (Negative) Surgical History : Appendectomy 47 years ago. Family History : Father- died 81 does not report information Mother-alive, 88 years old, Diabetes Mellitus, HTN Daughter-alive, 34 years old, healthy Social History : No smoking history or illicit drug use, occasional alcoholic beverage consumption on social celebrations. Retired, widow, he lives alone. Sexual Orientation : Straight Nutrition History : Diets off and on, Does not each seafood
Sample Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
This case study presents a comprehensive SOAP note for a 68-year-old male patient experiencing recent episodes of headaches with elevated blood pressure readings. It emphasizes the importance of thorough assessment, accurate diagnosis, and appropriate management strategies for primary hypertension in an aging adult. This paper integrates evidence-based guidelines and clinical reasoning to demonstrate effective patient care delivery.
Patient Presentation
The patient, Mr. DT, is a 68-year-old male with a medical history significant for hypercholesterolemia, taking atorvastatin and aspirin, with a prior appendectomy. He reports a chief complaint of headaches persisting for two weeks, occasionally accompanied by dizziness. His blood pressure readings during this period have been elevated, ranging from 158/98 to 160/100 mm Hg. He denies chest pain, shortness of breath, or other associated symptoms. His social history indicates no smoking or illicit drug use, with occasional alcohol consumption, and lives alone as a widow.
Subjective Data
History of Present Illness
The patient reports onset of headaches two weeks ago, describing episodes as throbbing in nature, severity moderate, and occurring intermittently. He notes that stress at work may exacerbate symptoms. Dizziness is also reported during some episodes. He denies visual disturbances, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, palpitations, or shortness of breath. The patient’s medications are consistent with management of hyperlipidemia, and he has no known allergies or recent immunizations.
Review of Systems
- Constitutional: No fever, chills, weight loss, or fatigue.
- Neurological: Headaches, dizziness; denies weakness, numbness, tremors, or seizures.
- HEENT: No vision changes or ear complaints.
- Cardiovascular: No chest discomfort or palpitations.
- Respiratory: No shortness of breath or cough.
- Gastrointestinal: No abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or alterations in bowel habits.
- Genitourinary: No dysuria, hematuria, or urinary changes.
- Musculoskeletal: No joint pain or stiffness.
- Skin: No rashes or lesions.
Objective Data
Vital Signs
- Temperature: 98.5°F
- Pulse: 87 bpm
- Blood Pressure: 159/92 mm Hg
- Respiratory Rate: 20/min
- Oxygen Saturation: 98% on room air
- Height: 6'4"
- Weight: 200 lbs
- BMI: 25 kg/m2
Physical Examination
The patient appears alert and oriented, with no apparent distress. Head is atraumatic, normocephalic. Eyes show no conjunctival injection or visual disturbances. Ears are intact bilaterally. The neck is supple without lymphadenopathy or thyroid enlargement. Cardiovascular exam reveals regular S1 and S2 without murmurs, gallops, or rubs. Peripheral pulses are intact; capillary refill is
Assessment
The primary diagnosis is Stage 2 Essential Hypertension (ICD-10 I10). Elevated BP readings, absence of secondary causes after clinical evaluation, and lack of target organ damage support this diagnosis. Differential diagnoses considered include renal artery stenosis, hyperthyroidism, and secondary hypertension; however, current findings favor primary hypertension.
Plan
Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests
- Complete metabolic panel (CMP)
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Lipid profile
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
- Urinalysis with microalbumin
- Electrocardiogram (ECG 12-lead)
Pharmacologic Treatment
- Hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg orally once daily, supported by evidence indicating its ≥ efficacy in lowering BP (Chobanian et al., 2013).
- Lisinopril 10 mg orally once daily, as an ACE inhibitor proven effective in hypertension management (Whelton et al., 2018).
Non-Pharmacologic Interventions
- Weight loss through dietary modifications
- Adoption of the DASH eating plan: rich in fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, and reduced saturated fat (Appel et al., 2011)
- Salt intake reduction to less than 1500 mg/day (Sacks et al., 2001)
- Regular aerobic exercise: 90-150 minutes per week
- Stress management techniques
- Cessation of tobacco use
Patient Education
- Explanation of hypertension and potential complications such as stroke, myocardial infarction, and renal failure (Whelton et al., 2017)
- Instruction on medication adherence and monitoring BP at home twice daily (Pickering et al., 2005)
- Dietary counseling supporting DASH principles
- Pressure to maintain lifestyle modifications and follow-up schedule
Follow-up and Referrals
- Follow-up appointment in 1 week to assess BP control and medication effects
- Referral to a cardiologist if BP remains uncontrolled or if secondary causes are suspected (James et al., 2014)
Discussion
This case underscores the importance of comprehensive assessment in diagnosing primary hypertension in older adults. Elevated BP in the absence of secondary causes, combined with risk factor management, is crucial. Evidence-based pharmacologic and lifestyle interventions can effectively reduce cardiovascular risk. Adherence to guidelines, including the JNC 8 and the 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines, informs optimal management strategies (Whelton et al., 2018; James et al., 2014). The systematic approach demonstrated in this case reflects best practices in adult hypertension care.
Conclusion
Effective management of hypertension involves a multifaceted approach—combining patient education, lifestyle modification, pharmacotherapy, and regular follow-up. Clinicians must individualize treatment plans to optimize outcomes, prevent complications, and improve quality of life for aging patients.
References
- Appel, L. J., et al. (2011). A clinical trial of the effects of dietary patterns on blood pressure. New England Journal of Medicine, 344(16), 3-22.
- Chobanian, A. V., et al. (2013). The seventh report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC 7). JAMA, 289(19), 2560–2572.
- James, P. A., et al. (2014). 2014 evidence-based guideline for the management of high blood pressure in adults. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 63(21), 2404-2440.
- Pickering, T. G., et al. (2005). Recommendations for blood pressure measurement in humans. Hypertension, 45(4), 142-161.
- Sacks, F. M., et al. (2001). Effects on blood pressure of reduced dietary sodium and the DASH diet. New England Journal of Medicine, 344(1), 3-10.
- Whelton, P. K., et al. (2017). 2017 ACC/AHA/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/AGS/APhA/ASH/ASPC/NMA/PCNA guideline for the prevention, detection, evaluation, and management of high blood pressure in adults. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 71(19), e127–e248.
- Whelton, P., et al. (2018). Primary prevention of hypertension: A scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation, 138(19), e612–e634.